HC Deb 23 October 1950 vol 478 c304W
120. Mr. Alport

asked the Minister of Food what were the quantities of tomatoes imported into the United Kingdom in August and September, 1950, respectively, as compared with the imports in similar months in 1949 and 1948; and what was the average price at which imported tomatoes were sold retail, as compared with the retail price of home-produced tomatoes.

Mr. F. Willey

Between 16th August and the end of September, 1950, no foreign imports of tomatoes were permitted. According to my Department's records the quantity imported during the first fortnight of August, 1950, was 2,387 tons. In 1948 and 1949, about 2,000 and 4,700 tons respectively were imported during the month of August and about 1,700 and 300 tons respectively during the month of September. It has not been possible to keep separate figures showing the retail prices of imported and home produced tomatoes respectively at periods when these are being sold together.